Federal Crackdown on F-1 Students Sparks National Legal Battle

As reported recently, the U.S. federal government recently terminated the F-1 visa status of several thousands of international students—without notice or detailed explanation. These abrupt SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record terminations left students out of status, unable to work, and vulnerable to deportation. In response, lawsuits have been filed nationwide, culminating in a temporary restraining order (TRO) granted by a federal judge in Georgia on April 18, 2025. The legal battle is ongoing, leaving the future of these international students uncertain.

Sudden Termination of SEVIS Records

Beginning in early April, ICE began terminating the SEVIS records of students on F-1 visas without prior warning. These terminations were often labeled “failure to maintain status,” yet lacked any accompanying detail or proof of wrongdoing.

Many students only discovered their status was revoked when trying to access SEVIS or check their immigration status. Others were told by their universities after ICE had already made the changes. What made the situation especially confusing was that school DSOs (Designated School Officials) had not reported any violations or initiated the terminations themselves.

The impact on students was severe. Those affected lost their employment eligibility—whether on-campus or through Optional Practical Training (OPT). Some faced housing and financial instability, while others feared traveling or interacting with immigration officials. For international students dependent on legal status to remain in the U.S., the revocations posed a critical and existential threat to their education and safety.

Legal Grounds for Challenge

Immigration attorneys and advocacy organizations rapidly filed lawsuits across several jurisdictions. They argue that the sudden termination of SEVIS record was a violation of Due Process, as students received no notice and had no opportunity to respond before their status was stripped.  The terminations appear to have been issued in bulk, without individualized findings, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) as being arbitrary and capricious.  The actions also smack of overreaching, exceeding the government’s legal authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Georgia Case and TRO on April 18

Among the lawsuits, a major legal development occurred in the Northern District of Georgia, where plaintiffs sought emergency relief from enforcement. On April 18, 2025, a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order (TRO), barring ICE from proceeding with removals or other adverse actions against a group of students whose SEVIS records were suddenly terminated.  Significantly, the court found that the students were likely to succeed on the merits of their due process claims, the government’s action caused irreparable harm, including risk of deportation and educational disruption, and public interest favored injunctive relief. 

The TRO reinstated the SEVIS records of the plaintiffs retroactive to March 31, 2025, and paused enforcement until a hearing on a preliminary injunction could be held. 

What’s Next?

Preliminary injunction hearings in the Georgia case could lead to long-term protection for the students involved.  While the Georgia court’s order only directly affects the named plaintiffs, it sets a precedent. Courts in California, New York, and Illinois—where other lawsuits are pending—may follow suit. Further, if a court certifies a broader class of plaintiffs, the relief could extend nationwide.